If you have osteoporosis, it’s a good idea to make hearing exams a routine part of your medical regimen. A growing body of research has found a link between this bone density disease and sudden hearing loss. Understanding how the two seemingly different conditions are related can help in prevention.
Osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones to the point where they become fragile and break easily, is a widespread condition that can strike people of all ages but is most common in older individuals, particularly women. It affects approximately 20% of women aged 50 and older and nearly 5% of men in that age bracket.1
The low bone mass associated with osteoporosis increases the risk of developing significant bone loss and fractures. In addition to the pain associated with a broken bone, osteoporosis can cause a reduction in height and contribute to limited mobility, reduced social interaction, isolation and depression.
Osteoporosis can also contribute to hearing loss because it may affect the ossicles, the three bones located in the middle ear. Because of their tiny size, these bones are particularly susceptible to damage caused by osteoporosis.
When hearing loss does occur, it is often sudden; a study of 10,000 patients with osteoporosis found that they are 76% more likely to develop sudden sensorineural hearing loss than persons without the bone disease.2
If you have osteoporosis, schedule an appointment with an audiologist as soon as possible for an evaluation. The earlier you can identify a hearing issue, the faster you can get treatment. Call Indiana Hearing Specialists today at (765) 588-1231 to see how our trusted hearing health care providers can help you. We offer thorough audiological testing and counseling for total patient satisfaction.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Does osteoporosis run in your family?. https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/osteoporosis.htm
2 AccuQuest Hearing Centers. (2017). Osteoporosis and sudden hearing loss: Is there a connection?. https://accuquest.com/osteoporosis-sudden-hearing-loss-connection/